April 22, 2008


I scouted out a section of the upper Otter Tail river, where I normally have success finding white suckers early in the spawning run. When I got there I found a huge pod of suckers stacked up in a current eddy. I quickly tied on a beadhead prince nymph and soon there after had my first white sucker of the year on the receiving end of the hook. It was a pretty stout fish. I quickly headed back to the pod and landed about another half dozen fish before I had to leave. That was fun! That was what I had been waiting for all spring.

Unfortunately, effective in 2008, this section of river is subject to closure due to the occurrence of heavy walleye spawning activity. This section will be closed tomorrow until May 9. I can't believe that I am getting pimped by the walleye! This was one of my go-to spring sucker spots. It was only about 5 minutes from my house. That's not the kicker, though. The section of the Pelican River from the outlet at Big Detroit Lake up to US Hwy 10 will be closed due to walleye spawning. That means I will not be able to fish suckers in my backyard. Unbelievable. Due to the lengthy legislative rule making process, there was a delay to close that section this year, but it will likely be in place next spring. That's tough to take.

Looks like I need to do some scouting for more spring sucker spots that are nearby, now that those other sections are closed. Luckily, I got a tip on a spot about 15 minutes away. Sounds like I've got another mission.

5 comments:

  1. I know a great spot for suckers for you about 20 minutes from detroit lakes. I would just ask in return a great place to go bowfishing for carp, do you know of any prime lakes for that?

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  2. Upper Cormorant is decent as well as Big and Middle Cormorant as well. Should be able to find plenty of carp up in the cattails and bulrush. Otherwise you need to go down to the Otter Tail chain of lakes like Crystal and Lida to find carp.

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  3. Yeah i hear a lot about the cormorant lakes, just never tried them yet. For suckers you should go east of Detroit Lakes to Shell Lake and the streams connecting to it. There are lots of suckers in the spring coming out of the stream under the road at the east end of the lake.

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  4. Also, eagle lake near frazee. Late in April and early May you can see hundreds of suckers from the access at eagle lake park. Really shallow too, should be easy to fly fish.

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  5. Thanks, I am always looking for spots with feeder streams, with easy access to fish from shore.

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